Water Voles

Water voles (Arvicola amphibius), have undergone a decimating decline in Britain and the animals and their burrows while occupied are now fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Once a common sight throughout Britain, water voles are now rare enough to warrant this level of protection and reintroduction projects are being undertaken across the country.

Water voles inhabit the margins of slow-flowing water courses, such as drainage ditches as well as ponds or lakes. In the past ten years we have undertaken several surveys for the species and if they are an issue with respect to your development we can assist you with this legally protected mammal.